Carolina Lawmaker Suspended; Linked Colleagues to Drugs

COLUMBIA, S.C. — A state lawmaker who was indicted by a grand jury because he would not reveal the names of colleagues he says used drugs in the House chamber was formally suspended from the General Assembly on Thursday.

House Speaker Robert Sheheen said he wrote Rep. Phil Bradley a letter informing him of the suspension.

Bradley is unopposed in the general election but will be suspended again at the beginning of the new session if the indictment is still pending, a legislative spokesman said.

Bradley was indicted on Tuesday and granted a personal recognizance bond Wednesday.

Bradley, 48, made the allegation on a Greenville radio station’s talk show last month. He said six to eight members of the House used cocaine or “uppers” on the House floor while the chamber was in session.